Designer Aurora James has a mission – to right a wrong that has been too long ignored. Her mission has taken her to the state of Texas, where she has started a groundbreaking initiative to combat exclusion in retail shopping. Through her tireless efforts, she hopes to create a more inclusive environment that will help ignite more equal opportunities for everyone. Texas Public Radio is here to cover her story and find out more.
1. Designer Aurora James Challenges Inequity
Aurora James is the founder of the venture, Brother Vellies, a New York-based online store selling handmade items from Africa. James has recently made a call to action using her influence to challenge inequity in the fashion industry. Through her label, she operates to bring forth the values of human rights, fairness, and equality.
By instigating the 15 Percent Pledge, James aims to act on the matter of inequality in the fashion industry. Her ultimate goal is to increase the diversity in retail stores by ensuring that 15% of the props and products that are stocked and represented in the stores be sourced through minority-owned businesses. To date, she has managed to make a number of major industry players to join her movement, including Sephora and West Elm.
Her efforts working to reconfigure the power dynamics have caught the attention of other fashion industry giants, who have followed in her footsteps and actively pursued an endeavor to finally bring equality to the market.
2. A New Direction to Revitalize the Fashion Industry
In modern fashion, upcycling and sustainability have become increasingly popular with brands and customers alike. With the push towards commercial sustainability, the development of eco-textiles and the use of recycled materials as inputs in production cycles are all clear signs that the industry is heading in a more sustainable direction.
Another trend we’re seeing across the world of fashion is a return to an individual, craft-based form of consumerism. The focus on craftsmanship and traditional, handmade design elements will bring new and exciting approaches to fashion innovation. Consumers are more interested in buying items from local and ethical sources, rather than those created in a mass-production facility. By incorporating traditional design processes and innovative sustainable techniques, the fashion industry could lead the way as a global pioneer in sustainable practices.
3. Aurora James’ Pledge to Support Black-Owned Businesses
Aurora James – A Commitment to Social Responsibility
Aurora James, the Canadian designer of Brother Vellies shoes has made a bold mission – to help make retail more representative of minority groups. With 15 Percent Pledge, James aims to use her buying power to increase support for black-owned businesses. In solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, James decided to address the lack of representation of African Americans in the retail industry.
The 15 Percent Pledge calls for large retail establishments to reallocate at least 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Additionally, the platform provides a centralized database for companies to source these products. By amplifying and encouraging more citizens and organizations to reallocate 15% of their funds or time, James aspires to transform the economic status quo. She has also provided many organizations and companies with grants and other financial support, providing much needed access to capital and expertise to many Black-owned businesses.
James’ actions demonstrate a spark of progress in the social justice movement and her work has been gaining more and more attention and support. Her commitment and activism is an example of how citizens and organizations can take a stand, fight for what they believe in and ultimately make a difference in the world.
4. Chipping Away at Systemic Racism and Exclusion
Dismantling Disparate Systems
Racism and other forms of prejudice have been baked into our systems for centuries. Today, as individuals and organizations, we have access to powerful tools like data analytics and machine learning that can help us identify how our systems are generating inequality and exclusion. Armed with this information, we can chart a better future by chipping away at systemic injustices.
Successfully dismantling disparate systems will take collaboration and action from all corners of our society. We must push for comprehensive reform that includes:
- Developing and enforcing equitable policies that value diversity and inclusiveness
- Improving access to education, healthcare, employment, housing and other basic human rights
- Investing in initiatives and technologies that promote justice, transparency, and equity
- Providing effective training and resources to nurture a diverse and inclusive culture
But we must also look inward to our own institutions and organizations if we’re going to make meaningful change. From eliminating unconscious bias within hiring practices to acknowledging and rectifying past discrimination, we must all take steps to undo institutional racism and ensure equitable access and opportunity.
It is only through our collective efforts that we can break down systemic oppression and foster an environment of true equality, justice, and liberty. Those of us in positions of privilege or power have an opportunity to lead the charge in creating a more equitable world – and that’s a future we can all work towards.
Aurora James’ mission may seem small, but its impact is monumental. As she puts it, “Change comes from the ground up, and I’m honoured to start the wave.” Let’s applaud her for her courage and for her determination to right a wrong, and may the ripple of her impact spread far and wide.
